COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
TEMPERATURE DEPENDS ON THE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF METALS AND ITS RELEVANCE TO INDUSTRIAL
APPLICATIONS

BY; BEREKET YOHANNES……NSR/0397/13

EYOB DEJEN…………. NSR/
TIGIST ENAWAGAW………NSR/2054/13

ADVISOR; FIKRU ABIKO (PH.D)

A SENIOR PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT
FOR A BACHELOR OF DEGREE (BSC) IN PHYSICS

WOLKITE, ETHIOPIA
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in metals is a crucial concept in the field of
materials science and engineering. This phenomenon refers to the change in a metal’s ability to conduct
electricity as its temperature varies. Understanding this relationship is of great significance in various
industrial applications, as it allows for the design and optimization of electrical devices and systems. This
essay aims to explore the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in metals and its relevance to
industrial applications.
By delving into the history, current state, and practical implications of this topic, this essay will contribute
to a deeper understanding of the role of temperature in the electrical behavior of metals.
 CONT…

 The relationship between temperature and the electrical conductivity of metals has long been of
significant interest in both scientific research and industrial applications. Understanding how the
electrical conductivity of metals varies with temperature is crucial for optimizing the performance
and efficiency of various industrial processes, ranging from electrical transmission to manufacturing
processes . At the atomic level, the electrical conductivity of metals arises due to the presence of free
electrons that can move relatively freely through the lattice structure of the metal. As temperature
increases, the average thermal energy of these electrons also increases, leading to greater scattering
and collisions with lattice ions, impurities, and other defects within the metal This increased
scattering impedes the flow of electrons, resulting in a rise in electrical resistivity and a decrease in
 Statement of problem

 The statement of the problem regarding the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in metals typically
involves investigating how the electrical conductivity of a metal changes with variations in temperature.

 Despite the established relationship between temperature and electrical conductivity, there is still a shortage of
comprehensive knowledge regarding the specific mechanisms and degree of this dependence, especially with
regard to its practical implications for industrial processes.

 Although these studies have shed light on the physics at play, there is a noticeable lack of information in the
literature about the precise effects of temperature fluctuations on industrial applications.

 By undertaking a thorough analysis of the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in metals within the
framework of industrial applications, this study seeks to close this gap.
 Objectives of the study

General objective
 The general objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between temperature
and the electrical conductivity of metals and its implications for industrial applications.

Specific objective
 To identify the variations in electrical conductivity of metals over a range of temperatures.
 To examine the underlying physical mechanisms governing the changes in electrical conductivity
with temperature.
 To determine the properties of temperature depends of the electrical conductivity of metals and
their relevance to industrial applications.
 The project addresses the following question

 How does the electrical conductivity of metals change with temperature?

 What factors contribute to the change in electrical conductivity of metals with temperature?
 Why is understanding the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in metals crucial?
 How does the electrical conductivity of different metals vary with temperature?
 What are the underlying mechanisms governing the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in
metals?
 How do changes in electrical conductivity with temperature affect the efficiency and reliability of industrial
processes such as electrical transmission, manufacturing, and sensing technologies?
 Scope of the study

 The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in metals represents a crucial yet complex
phenomenon with profound implications for numerous industrial applications.

 Despite its significance, there remains a need for a comprehensive understanding of how different metals
exhibit distinct electrical conductivity behaviors at varying temperatures and how these behaviors impact
industrial processes.

 This study aims to address this gap by investigating the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity
in selected metals and exploring its relevance to industrial applications.
 Significance of the study

 Studying the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in metals is Understanding this relationship
is crucial for designing and optimizing systems that rely on consistent electrical conductivity in different
temperature environments and significant for industrial applications such as thermal management,
superconductors, temperature measurement, material selection, and research and development.

 By understanding and managing the impact of temperature on electrical conductivity, engineers and
scientists can ensure consistent and reliable operation in various applications.
 Cont…

 This means that the resistance of aluminum increases more significantly with temperature,
leading to greater power losses.

 By accounting for the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity, engineers can

optimize the design of power transmission systems by selecting materials with lower
temperature coefficients of resistance, thereby minimizing energy losses
 CHAPTER THREE
Methodology of the Study

Data source
 Only secondary data are collected from the internet, reference books, and documentary
reviews by the researcher.

Document Analysis
 The collected data from the internet, reference books and other sources are only ordered

with some modifications through these, the study interpretation recommendation and

conclusion are made.

 Scientific research papers: Analyzing experimental data and conclusions from studies
 Cont…

 Technical specifications and manuals: Review documents from manufacturers or engineering

standards organizations that detail the behavior of metals under different temperature
conditions, especially in applications where electrical conductivity is critical.

 Historical records: Examining historical texts, patents, or industrial reports that discuss the
properties and performance of metals in different temperature environments, including any
observations or findings related to electrical conductivity.
 The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in metals
can be explained by the behavior of electrons in the metal lattice

Electrical conductivity
 Impurities and defects can also influence the temperature
dependence of electrical conductivity in the metal

 Impurities, such as foreign atoms or vacancies in the lattice, can act as scattering centers for electrons.
 These impurities introduce additional resistance, leading to a decrease in electrical conductivity with increasing
temperature.
 Defects, such as dislocations or grain boundaries, can also hinder the movement of electrons, further contributing
to the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity.
 Understanding the role of impurities and defects is crucial for controlling and optimizing the electrical
conductivity of metals in practical applications.
 The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity can vary
among different metals

 Some metals, such as copper and silver, exhibit a relatively weak temperature dependence of electrical
conductivity.

 These metals have a high electron mobility and a low density of impurities, resulting in a more stable conductivity
over a wide temperature rang. On the other hand, metals like aluminum and tungsten show a stronger temperature
dependence due to their higher impurity content and lower electron mobility.

 The variation in temperature dependence among metals highlights the importance of considering specific
material properties when designing electrical systems.
 The working principle of the temperature depends on the electrical
conductivity of metals

How does thermal conductivity work? How thermal conductivity will work can depend on? It works by
categorizing how heat will work in specific heat temperatures and electricity.
 It uses a band theory to describe how energy can cause a substance to get stronger or lose power.
 Thermal conductivity is a theory in physics that has to do with the ability of substances to conduct and
resist heat. How thermal conductivity works really depends on the material being assessed.
For example, substances can change physical properties when presented with certain temperatures and
heat.
 Factors affecting temperature depend on the electrical conductivity of metals
Several factors can influence the temperature dependence of electrical
conductivity in metals

Crystal structure
The arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice of a metal can affect its electrical conductivity.
Different crystal structures exhibit varying levels of thermal stability, which can impact electron mobility at differe
temperatures.
Impurities
The presence of impurities or alloying elements in the metal can alter its electrical conductivity and its temperatu
dependence.
Impurities can introduce additional scattering mechanisms for electrons, affecting their mobility and conductivi
 Cont..

Electron concentration

The concentration of free electrons in the metal, which is influenced by factors such as doping or temperature-induced
changes in the Fermi level, can affect its electrical conductivity and temperature dependence.

Grain boundaries

Grain boundaries and defects in the metal lattice can introduce scattering centers for electrons, affecting their mobility
and conductivity behavior at different temperatures.
Atomic Structure
Metals consist of atoms held together by a sea of delocalized electrons. The more delocalized electrons a metal has, the
better it conducts electricity. For example, copper has a high number of delocalized electrons and is an excellent
 Cont…

Electron-phonon interactions
Thermal vibrations, or phonons, in the metal lattice, can interact with electrons, leading to scattering and affecting
electrical conductivity. The strength of these interactions depends on factors such as the metal’s crystal structure and
temperature.
Temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR)
Metals exhibit different rates of change in resistance with temperature, known as the temperature coefficient of
resistance. Metals with a positive TCR experience an increase in resistance with temperature, leading to a decrease
in electrical conductivity, while those with a negative TCR show the opposite behavior.
 CHAPTER FOUR
Result and discussion

As temperature increases, the electrical conductivity of metals generally decreases. This phenomenon can be
explained by the increased thermal vibrations of the metal atoms as temperature rises. These vibrations disrupt the
movement of electrons, impeding the flow of electric current through the metal lattice.

Figure 4.1.1 The electrical conductivity of a metal decreases with increase in its temperature
 discussion

The electrical conductivity of metals is closely related to temperature due to the impact of temperature on the
movement of electrons within the metal lattice. As temperature increases, the thermal vibrations of atoms in the
lattice also increase, leading to more collisions between electrons and lattice ions. This increased scattering impedes
the flow of electrons, resulting in a rise in electrical resistance and a decrease in electrical conductivity. Conversely,
at lower temperatures, there is less thermal agitation, leading to decreased electron-phonon scattering and higher
electrical conductivity. Therefore, the discussion of temperature in the context of electrical conductivity of metals
involves understanding the influence of temperature on the movement of electrons and the resulting impact on the
material’s conductive properties.
 CHAPTER FIVE
Conclusions

 Temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in metals refers to how the ability of metals to conduct
electricity changes with variations in temperature. Generally, as temperature increases, the electrical conductivity
of metals decreases. the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of metals is a fundamental aspect
of industrial applications, influencing the performance and efficiency of various processes. By understanding how
temperature affects the conductivity of metals, engineers and researchers can develop innovative solutions to
enhance productivity and sustainability in industries. As technology advances and new materials are developed,
the relationship between temperature and electrical conductivity will continue to shape the future of industrial
applications.
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ATTENTION